The Floating Girl

I just love this series. It is so completely different, so calming and yet so very interesting at the same time, that at last I can use the word "unique" without spouting a cliche.In this, the fourth book in the Rei Shimura series, our heroine, half Japanese, half American, is up to her kimono in trouble, as usual. Deciding to supplement her antiques business by writing a monthly column in The Gaijin, a newspaper largely read by foreigners in Japan, she learns to her dismay that the publisher is about to change the format. Instead of Rei's usual scholarly works, he wants her (and the others on the staff) to write in the form of a "manga," the wildly popular Japanese comic books.Rei, who doesn't even know what a manga is, is quickly drawn into the fascinating, almost cultish world of Japanese animation and comic books--where obsessive fans think nothing of walking the streets dressed as their favorite character(s), and where would-be comic book artists are encouraged to draw their own versions of their favorites with no fear of reprisal from the publishing companies.Rei's submersion into this sub-world leads her, of course, straight to a murder. With her tenacious American side battling her demure Japanese side, Rei throws herself into the mystery in typical fashion--and winds up embroiled in the feared Japanese underworld.Simply a delight from start to finish...this series is perfect for summertime reading!

this review is for all the people into anime, manga, and cosplay:(read any of the other reviews for plot synopses...I don't need to reiterate any of that)what can I say? I love this Sujata Massey for writing this book! I have adored the Rei Shimura series since I first picked up Zen Attitude! I went back and found Salaryman's Wife, and then picked up Flower Master when it came out...and of course, I hunted like mad for Floating Girl when it came out. I didn't even bother to read the jacket because I knew I would love it no matter what. Well, Ms. Massey knocked me right out of my chair when I read it! She decided that she would cement herself as my favorite writer by writing about my most favorite subjects, Manga (Japanese comics) and Cosplay (costuming as japanese comic/cartoon/videogame characters)! As a cosplayer I was very disturbed by certain parts of the book, but I enjoyed that! it really brought me more into the story. Thank you, Sujata Massey! I can't wait to read the Bride's Kimono!I recommend Floating Girl to anyone who likes anime, manga, or cosplay. even if you aren't into mysteries that much, try this out! I am sure you will love it! You don't even have to have read her previous novels! tho, I do recommend those too ^_^ they are wonderful!

As a mystery author who writes novels with a multicultural backdrop, I genuinely admire Sujata Massey's Rei Shimura novels. As an American of Japanese heritage living in Tokyo, Rei provides unique insights into both cultures. In FLOATING GIRL, Massey weaves many subplots together while focusing on the Japanese fascination with animation--manga. A man Rei meets is murdered, and a manga artist may hold the solution to the crime. With FLOATING GIRL, Massey continues to take giant strides forward as a writer--braving new frontiers in her mystery sub-genre. FLOATING GIRL is a solid effort, and I recommend it highly.

Fans of Sujata Massey's Rei Shimura mysteries will surely be eager to read the latest entry in the series, so I'm happy to report that "The Floating Girl" doesn't disappoint. This time, Rei is taking a break from her usual antiques business to write an article about the world of manga (Japanese comics) for a Tokyo-based English language magazine. Along the way, she meets a lot of colorful characters...many of them in costume (these people take their comics VERY seriously!). This is a hip, fun series and Rei is a delightful heroine. Can't wait for the next one!

Japanese-American Rei Shimura leaves her San Francisco home where her family lives to immigrate to Japan. She hopes to find work as a museum curator. Though she speaks the language fluently and has family in the country, Rei learns that it is almost impossible for foreigners to attain a decent job. Determined to remain in her the country of her ancestors, Rei opens up an antique business. She scouts flea markets and estate sales for merchandise to sell to foreigners interested in Japanese antiquities. Rei supplements her income by writing articles for the Gaijin Times, an English language magazine targeting the foreign population residing in Japan.When the editor leaves the magazine, the owner decides to change the format so that the Gaijin Times would look like the popular manga art form seen in comic books and animation. Rei is persuaded to write an article about the daujimshi, amateur works of popular comic book icons such as Mars Girl. However, her straightforward human-interest story takes a homicidal twist, one that Rei is determined to solve. She dearly wants as an exclusive for her magazine.THE FLOATING GIRL is a special novel that immerses the audience into Japanese culture. It is fascinating to see all the subtle ways a foreigner is discriminated against by citizens who treat the immigrants as pesky guests who have outstayed their welcome. The heroine's determination to live in Japan despite the xenophobic sentiment is laudable. The entertaining mystery has many red herrings and unexpected turns, but the heart of Sujata Massey's compelling story resides in the characters who make living in Tokyo that an exciting but realistic adventure.Harriet Klausner